UK to mandate folic acid fortification in wheat flour by 2026

The United Kingdom government has mandated that starting in December 2026, all non-wholemeal wheat flour must be fortified with folic acid. Despite this measure, health experts emphasize that supplements remain vital for women planning to become pregnant and during their first trimester.

Data indicates a decline in folic acid intake in England, with fewer than one in five women taking it before pregnancy, compared to one in four five years ago. This trend is concerning because folic acid is essential for the development of the neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Insufficient levels can lead to serious conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

While flour fortification provides a baseline, the amount added is not considered sufficient to replace the need for daily supplements to prevent neural tube defects and pregnancy loss.